Viral Hepatitis: B and D Flashcards
Define Viral Hepatitis?
Hepatitis caused by infection with HBV, which may follow an acute or chronic course
What is Chronic Viral Hepatitis?
Defined as viraemia and hepatic inflammation continuing for > 6 months
What is HDV?
It is a defective virus, that may only co-infect with HBV or superinfect people who are already carriers of HBV
What is HBV?
It is an enveloped, partially double-stranded DNA virus
What is the transmission of HBV?
Sexual contact
Blood
Vertical transmission (from mother to baby)
What viral proteins are produced in HBV?
Core antigen (HBcAg) Surface antigen (HBsAg) e antigen (HBeAg)
What is the significance of the e antigen (HBeAg)?
It is a marker of high infectivity
What is HDV?
It is a single-stranded RNA virus coated with HBsAg
What is the aetiology of HDV?
Antibody and cell-mediated immune response to viral replication leads to liver inflammation and hepatocyte necrosis
Histology can show mild to severe inflammation and changes to cirrhosis
What are the risk factors of HDV?
IV drug use
Unscreened blood and blood products
Infants of HBeAg-positive mothers
Sexual contact with HBV carriers
Younger individuals (particularly babies) are more likely to become chronic carriers
Genetic factors are associated with varying rates of viral clearance
What is the epidemiology of HBV and HDV?
Common
1-2 million deaths annually
Common in SE Asia, Africa and Mediterrean countries
HDV is also found worldwide
What is the incubation period for HBV and HDV?
3-6 months
What are the presenting symptoms in the 1-2 week prodrome for HBV and HDV?
Malaise Headache Anorexia Nausea and vomiting Diarrhoea RUQ pain Serum-sickness type illness
What are some of the symptoms associated with Serum-sickness type illness?
Fever Arthralgia Polyarthritis Urticaria Maculopapular rash
What is another symptom of HBV and HDV?
Jaundice develops with dark urine